Methods and systems for deploying a single continuous improvement approach across an enterprise

ABSTRACT

A method for providing instruction relating to continuous improvement policies of an enterprise is described. The method includes displaying, on a user interface, selectable icons operable for accessing a plurality of interactive guides relating to the policies of the enterprise, receiving, via the user interface, a selection of one of the icons, accessing, based on the selection, at least one file from a database, the at least one file including enterprise policy data that is related to the received icon selection, the enterprise policy data relating to one or more continuous improvement programs adopted within the enterprise, and displaying, on the user interface, a representation of the policy data in the form of an interactive guide, the user interface configured to provide access to applicable enterprise policy information that is available to a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates generally to continuous improvementprocesses, and more specifically, to methods and systems that provide acentral enterprise framework to communicate and deploy one overarchingcontinuous improvement approach.

Within a large enterprise, various approaches and continuous improvementstrategies are developed and applied across the enterprise. Deploymentof these various approaches and continuous improvement strategies areevidenced by, business processes and lists of tools are oriented aroundindividual approaches, subject matter experts that are aligned bycontinuous improvement strategies, and training that is driven byspecific continuous improvement strategies. Most of these improvementstrategies are well known (i.e., Lean, Theory of Constraints, Six Sigma,etc.).

By not having one overarching continuous improvement approach, anenterprise is not able to leverage the intellectual capital across thecompany relative to continuous improvement. This inability to leverageimpacts an enterprise's ability to innovate and produce their productsand services with high quality, lower costs, and greater speed.

While analyzing the above described problems, it was recognized thatmultiple continuous improvement tools are used across an enterprise,generally with little standardization, creating confusion as to whichtools, and thus which methods were best to perform continuousimprovement. Symptoms of the problem include, for example, a perceptionthat there are too many continuous improvement related tools, the toolswere not well understood, the tools were not easily accessible by thosethat could benefit from use of the tool and associated methods, and thetools were not integrated in a common framework.

Some of the above described problems are at least partially addressedthrough one or more of: lists of continuous improvement tools that areoriented around individual methods, the above mentioned subject matterexperts associated with a particular continuous improvement method, andthe above mentioned training associated with the particular continuousimprovement method.

The problems outlined above, as would be expected, generate less thanthe desired results in that: personnel have a difficult time finding theright tool for the continuous improvement job, personnel generally haveto call an expert in the particular continuous improvement method/toolresulting in possible delays and/or an inappropriate application of thecontinuous improvement tool. As a result, the speed at which employeescould resolve problems and make improvements is constrained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a method for providing instruction relating to continuousimprovement policies of an enterprise is provided. The method includesdisplaying, on a user interface, selectable icons operable for accessinga plurality of interactive guides relating to the policies of theenterprise, receiving, via the user interface, a selection of one of theicons, accessing, based on the selection, at least one file from adatabase, the at least one file including enterprise policy data that isrelated to the received icon selection, the enterprise policy datarelating to one or more continuous improvement programs adopted withinthe enterprise, and displaying, on the user interface, a representationof the policy data in the form of an interactive guide, the userinterface configured to provide access to applicable enterprise policyinformation that is available to a user.

In another aspect, a system for interactive engagement with policies andassociated procedures of an enterprise that relate to continuousimprovement is provided. The system includes at least one electronicdatabase capable of storing electronic information, wherein the storedelectronic information includes files that contain the continuousimprovement policies of the enterprise, a graphical user interface(GUI), the GUI comprising a plurality of selectable graphical elements,wherein each selectable graphical element is associated with at leastone file in the at least one database, the selectable graphical elementspresented on the GUI in the form of a roadmap, and a processing elementresponsive to the selection of the graphical elements from the roadmap,wherein the processing element is further configured to causeinformation from the at least one electronic database relating to oneaspect of the enterprises continuous improvement policy to be presentedto a user via the GUI in the form of an interactive guide to thecontinuous improvement policy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of aserver architecture of a system in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is an expanded block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of aserver architecture of a system in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of a roadmap for anoverarching continuous improvement approach of an enterprise.

FIG. 4 is a user interface for accessing a guided tour of the continuousimprovement roadmap.

FIG. 5 is a user interface for accessing an introduction to theoverarching continuous improvement approach of the enterprise.

FIG. 6 is a user interface for accessing an introduction to continuousimprovement approaches that in combination make up the overarchingcontinuous improvement approach of an enterprise.

FIG. 7 is a user interface for accessing an introduction to the customeroriented focus that form a portion of the overarching continuousimprovement approach of the enterprise.

FIG. 8 is a user interface for accessing an introduction to the globalsupply base issues that form a portion of the overarching continuousimprovement approach of the enterprise.

FIG. 9 is a user interface for accessing an introduction to the learningand doing focus that forms a portion of the overarching continuousimprovement approach of the enterprise.

FIG. 10 is a user interface for accessing an introduction to the commonlanguage focus that forms a portion of the overarching continuousimprovement approach of the enterprise.

FIG. 11 is a user interface for accessing an introduction to theengagement and empowerment of employees that forms a portion of theoverarching continuous improvement approach of the enterprise.

FIG. 12 is a user interface for accessing an introduction to leaderdevelopment that forms a portion of the overarching continuousimprovement approach of the enterprise.

FIG. 13 is a user interface for accessing an introduction to sharingideas focus that forms a portion of the overarching continuousimprovement approach of the enterprise.

FIG. 14 is a user interface for accessing an introduction to the growthfocus that forms a portion of the overarching continuous improvementapproach of the enterprise.

FIG. 15 is a user interface for accessing an introduction to thecultural evolution focus that forms a portion of the overarchingcontinuous improvement approach of the enterprise.

FIG. 16 is a user interface for accessing an introduction to the toolselection process that forms a portion of the overarching continuousimprovement approach of the enterprise.

FIG. 17 is a user interface associated with a navigation tool that isselectable from the user interface of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method for using the navigationtool described with respect to claim 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments described herein recognize that a central enterpriseframework is required to communicate and deploy one overarchingcontinuous improvement approach for an enterprise. A web-based system isutilized and has the technical effect of providing a roadmap forimplementation and use of a continuous improvement approach thatcombines the features of multiple continuous approaches utilized withinan enterprise. This roadmap, as is further described herein, providesthe single interactive resource and a central framework to allow forstandardization of continuous improvement. More specifically, theweb-based system and the roadmap are operable to display a plurality ofinteractive tools, arranged in roadmap fashion, for the purpose ofdeploying company policy, for example via an intranet associated withthe enterprise.

The roadmap is an interactive policy engagement product, providing asingle resource for all employees of an enterprise to learn about theelements of the overarching continuous improvement approach for theenterprise, as well as providing access to education, training,information, continuous improvement tools and resources to execute thecontinuous improvement approach.

The systems and processes are not limited to the specific embodimentsdescribed herein. In addition, components of each system and eachprocess can be practiced independent and separate from other componentsand processes described herein. Each component and process also can beused in combination with other assembly packages and processes.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary system 100 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In oneembodiment, system 100 is a web-based system used for implementing theabove mentioned roadmap along with the tools that are utilized inassociation with the roadmap, and is operable to implement continuousimprovement techniques across an enterprise. In addition, system 100 isoperable as a training system, which can be utilized by users fortraining in the use of the above mentioned roadmap and tools associatedwith the roadmap.

More specifically, in the example embodiment, system 100 includes aserver system 112, and a plurality of client sub-systems, also referredto as client systems 114, connected to server system 112. In oneembodiment, client systems 114 are computers including a web browser,such that server system 112 is accessible to client systems 114 usingthe Internet. Client systems 114 are interconnected to the Internetthrough many interfaces including a network, such as a local areanetwork (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), dial-in-connections, cablemodems, special high-speed ISDN lines, and wireless interfaces. Clientsystems 114 could be any device capable of interconnecting to theInternet including a web-based phone, personal digital assistant (PDA),or other web-based connectable equipment. A database server 116 isconnected to a database 120 containing information on a variety ofmatters, as described below in greater detail. In one embodiment,centralized database 120 is stored on server system 112 and can beaccessed by potential users at one of client systems 114 by logging ontoserver system 112 through one of client systems 114. In an alternativeembodiment, database 120 is stored remotely from server system 112 andis configured to store data relating to the continuous improvementapproach for an enterprise.

FIG. 2 is an expanded block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of aserver architecture of a system 122 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. Components in system 122, identical to componentsof system 100 (shown in FIG. 1), are identified in FIG. 2 using the samereference numerals as used in FIG. 1. System 122 includes server system112 and client systems 114. Server system 112 further includes databaseserver 116, an application server 124, a web server 126, a fax server128, a directory server 130, and a mail server 132. A disk storage unit134 is coupled to database server 116 and directory server 130. Servers116, 124, 126, 128, 130, and 132 are coupled in a local area network(LAN) 136. In addition, a system administrator's workstation 138, a userworkstation 140, and a supervisor's workstation 142 are coupled to LAN136. Alternatively, workstations 138, 140, and 142 are coupled to LAN136 using an Internet link or are connected through an Intranet. Incertain embodiments, one or more of the interconnections may be via awireless interface.

In one embodiment, each workstation, 138, 140, and 142 is a personalcomputer having a web browser. In other embodiments, other devices, suchas PDAs, web-based phones, and the like may be used as a user interfaceto system 122. Although the functions performed at the workstationstypically are illustrated as being performed at respective workstations138, 140, and 142, such functions can be performed at one of manypersonal computers coupled to LAN 136. Workstations 138, 140, and 142are illustrated as being associated with separate functions only tofacilitate an understanding of the different types of functions that canbe performed by individuals having access to LAN 136.

Server system 112 is configured to be communicatively coupled to variousindividuals, including employees 144 and to third parties, e.g., accountholders, customers, auditors, etc., 146 using an ISP Internet connection148. The communication in the exemplary embodiment is illustrated asbeing performed using the Internet, however, any other wide area network(WAN) type communication can be utilized in other embodiments, i.e., thesystems and processes are not limited to being practiced using theInternet. In addition, and rather than WAN 150, local area network 136could be used in place of WAN 150. Finally employees 144 may utilize anydevice capable of interconnecting to the Internet including a web-basedphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other web-based connectableequipment.

In the exemplary embodiment, any authorized individual having aworkstation 154 can access system 122. At least one of the clientsystems includes a manager workstation 156 located at a remote location.Workstations 154 and 156 are personal computers having a web browser.Also, workstations 154 and 156 are configured to communicate with serversystem 112. Furthermore, fax server 128 communicates with remotelylocated client systems, including a client system 156 using a telephonelink. Fax server 128 is configured to communicate with other clientsystems 138, 140, and 142 as well.

FIG. 3 is a user interface 200, illustrating one embodiment of a roadmap210 for implementation and use of a continuous improvement approach. Inone embodiment, the roadmap 210 is configured for all employees, withinall work environments of an enterprise. In alternative embodiments,information for particular employee groups, such as managers, isisolated so that such information cannot be accessed by all employees.Roadmap 210 includes a plurality of icons, as illustrated in FIG. 3.Through user selection of a roadmap icon, an introduction of the icon isprovided as well as other supporting information, including, but notlimited to videos, audio, links, and other references. Through selectionof the various icons in roadmap 210, a user is able to display aplurality of interactive tools, receive information on applicablemulti-disciplined continuous improvement tools on one softwareapplication, and interactively reevaluate and reiterate other applicablecontinuous improvement tools. From the perspective of the enterprise,employee education, training, engagement, and policy deployment areachieved as well as the creation of a standard centralized enterpriseframework that organizes the elements of the enterprise's overarchingcontinuous improvement approach.

Roadmap 210 provides a common integrated approach to continuousimprovement, with access to sets of multi-discipline process improvementtools, methods, information, networking, education and training acrossan enterprise. In corporation of a system that incorporates the elementsof the roadmap described further herein helps to accelerate long-termgrowth and productivity, distinguish an enterprise from its competitors,and enables the enterprise to deliver high levels of customersatisfaction.

Utilization of the roadmap approach to continuous improvement builds onbringing the best of an enterprise together, providing a common approachfor continuous improvement. Having a common understanding of theelements of the enterprise's continuous improvement approach, via acommon source enables higher quality in the daily work of theenterprise's employees, which drives higher quality in their productsand services, in addition to meeting customer expectations of workingmore efficiently and effectively. The roadmap approach eliminatesredundancies and waste.

The embodiment of roadmap 210 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes thefollowing selectable icons: a guided tour icon 220 for accessing aguided tour of the continuous improvement roadmap, a Lean+ icon 230 foraccessing an introduction to the overarching continuous improvementapproach of the enterprise, a merge icon 240, a begins and ends withcustomer icon 250, a global supply base icon 260, a learning and doingicon 270, a common language icon 280, an engaged and empowered peopleicon 290, a leaders teaching leaders icon 300, a learning, sharing andreplicating icon 310, a profitable growth and flawless execution icon320, a cultural evolution icon 330, and a right tool for the right jobicon 350. A user interface that is associated with the right tool forthe right job icon 350, as further described below is sometimes referredto as a navigation tool or NavTool. Functionality associated with theabove listed icons is further described below with respect to thecorresponding figures.

FIG. 4 is a user interface 400 for accessing a guided tour of thecontinuous improvement roadmap that is accessible from the roadmap 210in the user interface 200 of FIG. 3 through selection of the guided touricon 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the guided tour is in the formof an online video 402 that can be viewed by the user. In certainembodiments, user interface 400 may be configured to include frequentlyasked questions and speaker notes.

FIG. 5 is a user interface 430 for accessing an introduction to theoverarching continuous improvement approach of the enterprise that isaccessible from the roadmap 210 in the user interface 200 of FIG. 3through selection of the Lean+ icon 230. User interface 430 includes adefinition 432 of the Lean+ approach, selectable calls to action 434,and selectable resources 436. An online video 438 may provide a portionof the introduction to the Lean+ approach to continuous improvement. Asdescribed herein, Lean+ is an approach for combining the elements ofmultiple continuous improvement approaches.

FIG. 6 is a user interface 460 for accessing an introduction tocontinuous improvement that in combination make up the overarchingcontinuous improvement approach of the enterprise. The user interface460 is accessible from the roadmap 210 in the user interface 200 of FIG.3 through selection of the merge icon 240. User interface 460 includes asummary 462 of the Lean+ approach, and selectable calls to action 464.An online video 468 may provide a portion of the introduction tocontinuous improvement.

FIG. 7 is a user interface 490 for accessing an introduction to thecustomer oriented focus that form a portion of the overarchingcontinuous improvement approach of the enterprise. The user interface490 is accessible from the roadmap 210 in the user interface 200 of FIG.3 through selection of the begins and ends with customer icon 250. Userinterface 490 includes an introduction 492 to customer focus under theLean+ approach, selectable calls to action 494, and selectable resources496. An online video 498 may provide a portion of the introduction tothe customer focus of the Lean+ approach to continuous improvement.

FIG. 8 is a user interface 520 for accessing an introduction to theglobal supply base issues that form a portion of the overarchingcontinuous improvement approach of the enterprise. The user interface520 is accessible from the roadmap 210 in the user interface 200 of FIG.3 through selection of the global supply base icon 260. User interface520 includes an introduction 522 to a global supply base under the Lean+approach, selectable calls to action 524, and selectable resources 526.An online video 528 may provide a portion of the introduction to theglobal supply base portion of the Lean+ approach to continuousimprovement.

FIG. 9 is a user interface 550 for accessing an introduction to thelearning and doing focus that form a portion of the overarchingcontinuous improvement approach of the enterprise. The user interface550 is accessible from the roadmap 210 in the user interface 200 of FIG.3 through selection of the learning and doing icon 270. User interface550 includes an introduction 552 to learning and doing continuousimprovement under the Lean+ approach, selectable calls to action 554,and selectable resources 556. An online video 558 may provide a portionof the introduction to the learning and doing portion of the Lean+approach to continuous improvement.

FIG. 10 is a user interface 580 for accessing an introduction to thecommon language focus that form a portion of the overarching continuousimprovement approach of the enterprise. The user interface 580 isaccessible from the roadmap 210 in the user interface 200 of FIG. 3through selection of the common language icon 280. User interface 580includes an introduction 582 to common language under the Lean+approach, a selectable search glossary icon 584, and a selectableproblem notification icon 586. An online video 588 may provide a portionof the introduction to the common language portion of the Lean+ approachto continuous improvement.

FIG. 11 is a user interface 610 for accessing an introduction to theengagement and empowerment of employees that forms a portion of theoverarching continuous improvement approach of the enterprise. The userinterface is accessible from the roadmap 210 in the user interface 200of FIG. 3 through selection of the learning and doing icon 290. Userinterface 610 includes an introduction 612 to engagement and empowermentof employees under the Lean+ approach, selectable calls to action 614,and selectable resources 616. An online video 618 may provide a portionof the introduction to the engaged and empowered people portion of theLean+ approach to continuous improvement.

FIG. 12 is a user interface 640 for accessing an introduction to leaderdevelopment that forms a portion of the overarching continuousimprovement approach of the enterprise. The user interface 640 isaccessible from the roadmap 210 in the user interface 200 of FIG. 3through selection of the leaders teaching leaders icon 300. Userinterface 640 includes an introduction 612 to leader development ofemployees under the Lean+ approach, selectable calls to action 644, andselectable resources 646. An online video 648 may provide a portion ofthe introduction to the leaders teaching leaders portion of the Lean+approach to continuous improvement.

FIG. 13 is a user interface 670 for accessing an introduction to sharingideas focus that forms a portion of the overarching continuousimprovement approach of the enterprise. The user interface 670 isaccessible from the roadmap 210 in the user interface 200 of FIG. 3through selection of the learning, sharing and replicating icon 3 10.User interface 670 includes an introduction 672 to idea sharing andlearning among employees under the Lean+ approach, selectable calls toaction 674, and selectable resources 676. An online video 678 mayprovide a portion of the introduction to the learning, sharing, andreplicating portion of the Lean+ approach to continuous improvement.

FIG. 14 is a user interface 700 for accessing an introduction to thegrowth focus that forms a portion of the overarching continuousimprovement approach of the enterprise. The user interface 700 isaccessible from the roadmap 210 in the user interface 200 of FIG. 3through selection of the profitable growth and flawless execution icon320. User interface 700 includes an introduction 702 to profitabilityand growth for employees under the Lean+ approach, selectable calls toaction 704, and selectable resources 706. An online video 708 mayprovide a portion of the introduction to the profitable growth andflawless execution portion of the Lean+ approach to continuousimprovement.

FIG. 15 is a user interface 730 for accessing an introduction to thecultural evolution focus that forms a portion of the overarchingcontinuous improvement approach of the enterprise. The user interface730 is accessible from the roadmap 210 in the user interface 200 of FIG.3 through selection of the cultural evolution icon 330. User interface730 includes an introduction 732 to cultural changes under the Lean+approach, selectable calls to action 734, and selectable resources 736.An online video 738 may provide a portion of the introduction to thecultural evolution portion of the Lean+ approach to continuousimprovement.

FIG. 16 is a user interface 760 for accessing an introduction to thetool selection processes that form a portion of the overarchingcontinuous improvement approach of the enterprise. The user interface760 is accessible from the roadmap 210 in the user interface 200 of FIG.3 through selection of the right tool for the right job icon 350. Userinterface 760 includes an introduction 762 to tools associated withcontinuous improvement, an illustration of the continuous improvementcycle 674 under the Lean+ approach, and a selectable icon 766 whichallows a user to check out a Lean+ NavTool.

The continuous improvement cycle 674 under the Lean+ approach includesfive steps, including defining and describing the problem or opportunity780, identifying root causes 782, identifying and proposing solutions784, implementation of the solutions 786, and sustaining the gains 788.These steps can generally be identified in commonly utilized continuousimprovement approaches. In the user interface 790 of FIG. 17, which is auser interface to the above mentioned Lean+ NavTool, these steps areselectable as shown.

The continuous improvement (CI) cycle 800 helps an enterprise byleveraging intellectual capital to solve problems and advanceimprovement across the enterprise. Providing the right tool for theright job is key to the cycle. The user interface 790 is one portion ofa series of user interfaces that operate as a guide to the steps indealing with a problem or making an improvement. As can be seen in theelements of CI cycle 800, a plan-do-check-act approach is taken in thedevelopment of common continuous improvement processes and tools for theenterprise.

The CI cycle 800 includes the steps of determining if you are trying todefine and describe a problem, identifying root causes, identifying andtesting proposed solutions, implement solutions, and working to sustainthe gains, which is the effort required to reap the business benefits ofthe improvement.

A user interface associated with each step explains the actions to takeat different stages of problem-solving and also maps the user to a setof standard tools. A user is able to follow the CI cycle 800 stepssequentially or start at the step that best matches the user's needs. Ifthe user chosen tool does not work, or if the user is ready for the nextstep, the user is able to return to the cycle, via user interface 790and continue to explore.

Go/no-go lines 810, 812 prompt a user to check a proposed solutionbefore it is implemented. And the last step, sustaining the gains,reminds the user that achieving continuous improvement means that asolution must be implemented and validated successfully over time tosustain the gains.

In the user interface 790 of FIG. 17, accessible from selection of theselectable icon 766 shown in FIG. 16, the user has selected thecontinuous improvement cycle step of identification of root causes 830as the CI step they are at in the CI cycle 800. More particularly, byselecting (clicking on identifying root causes 782) this CI step via theuser interface 790, the user is presented with drill down tool choices.One of several process steps 832 are the drill down steps associatedwith root cause identification and includes collection organization, andanalyzing of data as well as determination of cause and effect. Tooltypes 834 are also presented, grouped by level of difficulty. The tooltypes 834 associated with root cause identification include self tools,which are easily used, learn-do tools, which may require training, and alist of professional resources. A user is also provided with a tool list836. The tool list 836 provides a user with a list of tools to choosefrom that they can review in order to select the tool that is likelyable to help them address their specific CI cycle issue. A searchfunction 838 allows a user to select a specific tool if the user alreadyknows which tool they want to use.

As is understood from the above description of user interface 790, thedescribed Lean+ tool set is mapped to the continuous improvement cycle,allowing the user to address issues and actions at the right time usingthe right tool. Reviewing the entire CI cycle when working on a problemor improvement is a good way to check progress, and to continueimproving even as the user or a group of employees moves forward.

The above described application also provides additional functionalityto selected users, for example, administrators of the application, tomaintain the information presented by the application via user interface790. This functionality includes maintaining the tools, grouping oftools, and association of tools with the improvement cycle steps. Eachof the data types can be maintained by adding, removing or altering allor part of the information about the data type listed above or byaltering any associated files. Any change made by the administrators isthen visible to all users of the application.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart 900 illustrating a method for using thenavigation tool described with respect to FIG. 17. A user attempt tologin 902 to the NavTool via a user interface such as has been describedherein. If it is determined 904, that the user is not authorized toaccess the NavTool, access is denied 906 and the process ends.

After determining 904 that the user is authorized to access the NavTool,via a successful login, the user selects 910 the continuous improvementstep, for example implementing the solution step, that they areinterested in as described herein. As will be understood, the selection910 results in the user being presented with a capability to select 912a process step associated with the selected 910 continuous improvementstep, and then select 914 one of the tools types associated with theprocess step. Selection 914 of a tool type results in the user beingable to select 916 a tool from a list and then view 918 informationrelated to the selected 916 tool.

Alternatively, after determining 904 that the user is authorized toaccess the NavTool, via a successful login, the user may select 920 atool category, or may search 930 for a tool by name. Both of these userchoices provide the user an opportunity to select 916 a tool from a listas described in the preceding paragraph. Whichever path is used to getto the viewing 918 of information related to the selected 916 tool, theuser is able to access one or more sets of information related to theselected 916 tool. Referring again to flowchart 900, the user is able toview 940 tool information, view 942 tool instructions, download 944 atemplate associated with the selected tool, and find 946 professionalassistance. After the user has viewed 918 the desired tool information,they logout 950 from the NavTool.

In summary, the Lean+ NavTool illustrated through FIGS. 16, 17 and 18stratifies and organizes the tools around the continuous improvementcycle model, aligns and delivers the tools, education and training via acomputing application to employees based on their need and capability.In addition, the Lean+ NavTool provides access and visibility to anintegrated and structured business process while also providing a guideusing a five step continuous improvement cycle that combines the“plan-do-check-act” with the continuous improvement cycle model. Each ofthe five steps explains the actions needed at different stages ofproblem-solving and also maps an employee to a set of standardcontinuous improvement tools. The cycle can be followed sequentially, orstart at the step that best matches user needs. The Lean+ NavTool allowsselection of the applicable tool to address a specific problem oropportunity and interactively reevaluates and reiterates otherapplicable tools thereby achieving employee education, training,engagement, and policy deployment. Finally, the Lean+ NavTool providesinformation on all applicable multi-discipline continuous improvementtools.

The Lean+ Roadmap serves to deploy enterprise policy using informationdescriptors allowing a user to gain access to multi-disciplinecontinuous improvement information, tools, education, training,networking and resources via an enterprise intranet.

The described embodiments provide a common model and integrated approachincluding access to sets of multi-discipline process improvement tools,methods, education and training across the enterprise. This acceleratesan entity's long-term growth and productivity, distinguishes the entityfrom competitors, and enables the entity to deliver customersatisfaction.

Currently utilized solutions do not provide an integrated accessintegrated approach with access to set of multi-discipline processimprovement tools, methods, education and training across theenterprise. These problems are evidenced by the existence of lists oftools oriented around individual methods, subject matter experts alignedby continuous improvement method (Lean, TOC, Six Sigma etc.), andtraining is provided by a specific continuous improvement method (Lean,TOC, Six Sigma etc.).

The Lean+ NavTool is driven by a business process and informationdescriptors allowing a user to gain access to information, tools,templates, and resources for continuous improvement via the companyintranet. All information can be downloaded by the user saved to a localcomputer, used real time, and used as an educational tool. The user cangain access to a list of resources to assist them.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

1. A computer-based method for providing instruction relating tocontinuous improvement policies of an enterprise, said methodcomprising: displaying, on a user interface, selectable icons operablefor accessing a plurality of interactive guides relating to the policiesof the enterprise; receiving, via the user interface, a selection of oneof the icons; accessing, based on the selection, at least one file froma database, the at least one file including enterprise policy data thatis related to the received icon selection, the enterprise policy datarelating to one or more continuous improvement programs adopted withinthe enterprise; and displaying, on the user interface, a representationof the policy data in the form of an interactive guide, the userinterface configured to provide access to applicable enterprise policyinformation that is available to a user.
 2. A computer-based methodaccording to claim 1 wherein displaying selectable icons comprisesdisplaying at least one selectable icon that is operable for accessingan interactive guided tour for introducing a user to the enterprisepolicy information that is available via the user interface.
 3. Acomputer-based method according to claim 1 wherein displaying selectableicons comprises displaying at least one selectable icon that is operablefor accessing an introduction to the enterprise policies via the userinterface.
 4. A computer-based method according to claim 1 furthercomprising configuring the selectable icons and the adopted continuousimprovement programs in the form of a roadmap.
 5. A computer-basedmethod according to claim 1 wherein displaying a representation of thepolicy data comprises delivering training modules for the purpose oftraining users in regard to enterprise policies.
 6. A computer-basedmethod according to claim 1 wherein delivering training modules for thepurpose of training users in regard to enterprise policies comprisesproviding at least one video clip associated with the enterprise policy.7. A computer-based method according to claim 1 wherein the access toapplicable enterprise policy tools includes one or more web-basedresources that can be accessed by the user.
 8. A computer-based methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the access to applicable enterprise policytools includes one or more selectable calls to action that can beaccessed by the user, that illustrate user actions that can be taken forimplementing the continuous improvement policies.
 9. A computer-basedmethod according to claim 1 further comprising displaying, on the userinterface, information on the use of available tools for accessingapplicable enterprise policy information.
 10. A system for interactiveengagement with policies and associated procedures of an enterprise thatrelate to continuous improvement, said system comprising: at least oneelectronic database capable of storing electronic information, whereinthe stored electronic information includes files that contain thecontinuous improvement policies of the enterprise; a graphical userinterface (GUI), said GUI comprising a plurality of selectable graphicalelements, wherein each said selectable graphical element is associatedwith at least one file in said at least one database, said selectablegraphical elements presented on said GUI in the form of a roadmap; and aprocessing element responsive to the selection of said graphicalelements from the roadmap, wherein said processing element is furtherconfigured to cause information from said at least one electronicdatabase relating to one aspect of the enterprises continuousimprovement policy to be presented to a user via said GUI in the form ofan interactive guide to the continuous improvement policy.
 11. A systemaccording to claim 10 wherein said processing element is configured toprompt the user, through said GUI, to interact with the applicableenterprise policy information in said database.
 12. A system accordingto claim 11 wherein the interaction is provided through said GUI as aninteractive guided tour for introducing a user to the enterprise policyinformation that is available for viewing via said GUI.
 13. A systemaccording to claim 10 wherein one of said selectable graphical elementscomprises an icon operable to access an interactive tool, saidinteractive tool configured to guide a user through available resourcesassociated with a continuous improvement process.
 14. A system accordingto claim 10 wherein said processing element is configured to prompt theuser, through said GUI, with at least one training module relating toenterprise policies.
 15. A system according to claim 10 wherein theinteractive guide comprises one or more of video clips associated withthe enterprise policy and web-based resources that can be accessed bythe user.
 16. A system according to claim 10 wherein said processingelement is configured to prompt the user, through said GUI, with one ormore selectable calls to action that can be accessed by the user, thatillustrate user actions that can be taken for implementing thecontinuous improvement policies.
 17. A system according to claim 10wherein said processing element is configured to prompt the user,through said GUI, with information on the use of available tools foraccessing applicable enterprise policy information.